Skill and leadership development for one of the following: canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fly fishing and fly tying. See class schedule for topic and number of credits allowed for a specific class.

TAUGHT:

Fall, Winter, Summer

CONTENT AND TOPICS:

See individual section descriptions in class schedule as you are registering. You may acquire up to six credits by signing up for various sections of water skills.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

FLY TYING:1. Gain an understanding of the basic materials and tools used in Fly Tying.2. Be able to set up and adjust your fly tying vise for proper use.3. Learn the adjustment and proper use of the bobbin.4. Use the proper method of inserting the hook in the vise.5. Start and wrap tying thread.6. Do a whip finish.7. Understand hooks; the parts, weights and percent locations for fly tying.8. Tell how fly tying thread is sized.9. Demonstrate the half hitch, pinch and loose loop techniques.10. Learn the components of an artificial nymph and dry file.11. Identify the entomology of our rivers.12. Learn how to tie May flies, Caddis flies and Stone Flies.13. Be able to tie upright wings, parachute wings and comparadun wings.14. Demonstrate how to dub material on the tying thread.15. Discover how to spin deer hair.16. Know how to do the bullet head technique.

FLY FISHING:1. Develop skills safety appropriate for fly fishing.2. Gain a respect for the ethics of fly fishing.3. Learn nomenclature for fly fishing gear.4. Learn proper use and care of gear.5. Learn Physical skills including: knots, casting form and accuracy, and various casting methods.6. Learn various fly fishing modes.7. Learn to read water, and become generally familiar with local waters, and gain a general knowledge with aquatic insects.8. Gain a general knowledge of common fly patterns. Understand how the structure of a fly affects its action.9. Learn to distinguish quality in fly fishing gear.

WHITEWATER AQUATICS:1. Demonstrate skill safety in all water activities associated with a particular area of interest.2. Develop a foundation of a life long recreational activity.3. Practice an appreciation and respect for the lake and river environment.4. Show knowledge of care and maintenance of Aquatic equipment.

CANOEING:1. Identify the parts of a canoe and describe distinguishing characteristics.2. Explain various canoeing equipment and its proper use including Canoes, Paddles, PFDs, Clothing, Dry Bags, etc.3. Perfrom the J, draw, push away, pry, cross draw and sweep strokes.4. Demonstrate on-river safety signals, explain the basics of reading a river and identify risks on rivers and lakes and proper Implementation of preventative safety measures.5. Develop judgment and decision making skills to safely travel on Class 1 rivers and lakes.6. Deploy a rescue bag, demonstrate self-rescue techniques and assist other canoeist in a capsized boat.7. Successfully back up a vehicle with a trailer of canoes.8. Practice effective expedition behavior.9. Lead safely a group of 6-10 canoeist on a Class I river or lake.10. Actively practice effective expedition behavior.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Class Attendance: These are block classes and only meet 7 or 8 times. Important skills will be covered each class period. Attendance is critical to your success in this course.2. Practical exams and Written exams3. Trips are Required4. Participation5. Reading assignments